What It’s Really Like to Be a Runway Model

What It’s Really Like to Be a Runway Model

Day 1: Up bright and early for my first show of the season, Jason Wu. He’s the guy who designed Michelle O’s inauguration gown, so everyone’s buzzing.

Photo: Mark Leibowitz

Then my mom, who is traveling with me, brings us lunch all the way from a Russian place in Brooklyn.

Two more shows today: Nicole Miller (must try that blue smoky-eye makeup at home) and Costello Tagliapietra, where the dresses are so ladylike—gorgeous.

The designers from Costello are like two teddy bears; you just want to hug them.

Day 2: I do my crunches, have some tea, then it’s off to the Lacoste show. There are actually guy models in this one, too—so rare. Backstage at the next show, VPL, we get oxygen facials. Amazing!

Photo: Mark Leibowitz

Then I have the Mattel Barbie show. Yes, Barbie. It’s her fiftieth anniversary! I get red nails, black cat eyes and bangs.

Late, late, late, we race over to the Alexander Wang show with other models, sitting on top of each other in cabs with our agents calling frantically. I feel like I’m 16 again and going out with my friends.

After, dinner at home with my dog, Anchovy.

Day 3: Preen show. The designers are British and sooo talented. Then some fittings before the Y-3 show (they sew the clothes up until the last minute). Kanye is in the audience. We worked together on a Sports Illustrated shoot once—he’s a great guy!

Photo: Mark Leibowitz

Next up is Miss Sixty. It’s fun because I’m the face of their campaign. Since it’s my third day into the shows, taking off my makeup is becoming painful. My eyes are so irritated and red, but the show must go on! There are tons of parties after, but I need sleep. Day 4: My “weekend.” I spend it shopping for shoes and relaxing at home with Anchovy.

Day 5: At Badgley Mischka, I model two outfits. Later, after the Matthew Williamson show, I stop by the BCBG store on Fifth Avenue—I’m in the photos in the window!Day 6: Alexandre Herchcovitch show. He’s from Brazil. Someday I’d like to retire there.

Day 7: Whew! Almost done. I finish up the week at Isaac Mizrahi at the New York Public Library, a fun one. My gown makes me feel like an eighties supermodel. Even though it was hard to find time to keep a diary during such a busy week, I’m so happy to have it as a memory.

Photo: Mark Leibowitz

WHAT DO MODELS EAT DURING FASHION WEEK?

“Let me make one thing clear: Models do eat. I couldn’t survive Fashion Week without lots of good, healthy food. My favorite snack is the Larabar (cashew cookie flavor). For lunch I like everything from fish and brown rice to food from my country, Russia, such as sausages and white cheese—yummy.”